We rely on hospitals and other health care facilities to keep us healthy, but that care comes at a hefty environmental cost. Health care is one of the top consumers of energy in the U.S., and it’s estimated that health care facilities in this country create more than 6,600 tons of waste every day.

But that picture is beginning to change. A growing cohort of hospitals, nonprofits and businesses is working to kick-start a movement to make health care leaner and less harmful to the environment.

To be sure, there are financial reasons to embrace sustainability: Hospitals are facing rising costs along with declining financial reimbursement from government and health insurance companies for medical procedures. But advocates say institutions that provide health care also have a moral imperative to contribute to the health of the environment in their communities.

The Healthier Hospitals Initiative, launched in 2012 by a group of large health systems and three nonprofit organizations, has recruited hundreds of hospitals in the U.S. to take on a set of three-year challenges to improve their environmental footprint. In April 2013, HHI released its first milestone report showing steps hospitals had taken toward its six key challenge areas: engaged leadership, healthier food, leaner energy, less waste, safer chemicals and smarter purchasing.

Although the program is still young, “over 330 hospitals reported progress in one or more areas,” says John Messervy, director of capital and facility planning for Partners HealthCare and chair of HHI. “I think that’s really remarkable.”

Ensia is a magazine and event series showcasing environmental solutions in action. Powered by the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, Ensia reaches across disciplines, ideologies, sectors and continents to connect people who can change the world with the ideas, information and inspiration they need to do so.